Will Cameron
The Paw Print
For what feels like the first time in more than a decade, a professional Denver sports team is getting prolific national coverage. Like it or not, since Tim Tebow has taken over the starting spot at quarterback for the Broncos the media has run wild with contradicting tales of wins and losses, passing and rushing, predictions for Pro Bowl selection, and rumors that he won’t even be in the league next year.
Since the end of John Elway’s career, there has been very little to celebrate in terms of Colorado’s professional sports. The Rockies tried to make a run in 2007, but have since fallen to shambles. After putting Syracuse on the NCAA map, Carmelo Anthony was unable to help the Nuggets, even with the temporary assistance of Allen Iverson.
So why all the fuss? With this week’s win the Denver Broncos have finally broke .500, and Tebow’s record as a starter is a respectable 5-1, with five games left in the regular season. At a glance, the team started poorly, got better, and might develop into a contender by next season. But simple assessments are not popular in today’s media.
The main reason behind Tebow’s recent publicity is his utter inability to throw the football. It seems that since he is an NFL quarterback, some coaches, players, and especially fans expect him to take the snap and launch it down the field, at least occasionally.
“We don’t have a passer. We have a runner. Not to say he can’t pass at all, but we’re recognizing his strengths,” admitted Broncos head coach John Fox. “My man is really good in this offense. You know what I mean? If we were trying to run a regular offense, he’d be screwed.”
Fortunately for Tebow, he is quite impressive on the ground. Even the staunchest Tebow-haters have to admit this. With 455 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns Tebow is ranked second in the Broncos running department, but many people are not convinced that a strict run-oriented offense can win too many games in the NFL.
“So maybe we need a new definition for Tebowing. It’s a prayer for mercy. Please, in the name of heaven, bring us somebody who can actually play quarterback… Those five minutes of wonder against Miami now look like an aberration. Right here, right now, Tebow is the worst quarterback in the NFL,” said Mark Kiszla earlier this month in the Denver post.
While the Broncos have been successful with Tebow at the helm, low-scoring games decided by defensive performance and running seem to lack a key ingredient to NFL makeup: excitement. San Diego’s 16-13 defeat in overtime was painfully slow, and even if defenses can’t find a way to stop him, fans can easily stop watching.
What’s Been Said…